A newly launched contract that guides the use of rental vehicles is expected to raise the standard of service within the sector.

The launch of the contractual agreement for vehicle use was held during the Fiji Rental Car Association’s annual general meeting in Suva, on Wednesday.

It followed five years of work on the document.

Consumer Council of Fiji Chief Executive Officer, Seema Shandil, officiated at the launch.

She said the document was expected to reduce the number of complaints against the association.

The council received 98 against the association complaints in the past five years.

Minister for Tourism, Faiyaz Koya, applauded the association for raising the standard of operation.

“The ministry and Land Transport Association have taken on board proposals to improve the rental car businesses in Fiji,” he said.

“We will ensure better coordination with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), and municipal councils.”

To have effective agreements,a whole-of Government approach is certain, Mr Koya said.

“As an ambassador for road safety, I guarantee that safety is a top priority for my ministry.”

The association has 80 registered members.

Mr Koya said there was a need to fortify efforts against private vehicles operating as rental cars.

“This has to stop,” he said.

“The laws have to change.”

“We will strengthen the law to address that.”

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